Award-winning Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal is known for his versatility on screen, essaying myriad roles on screen – most recently playing hard-hitting detective Om in the series ‘London Files’ and a devoted husband in Aparna Sen’s critically acclaimed ‘The Rapist’.
He is now busy shooting in Hyderabad for his South Indian debut with Pawan Kalyan's big budget Telugu period drama, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi.
Here, this talented artist shares his recent acting highlights, breaking language barriers in cinema and toying with the idea of going behind the camera with film direction.
What was the experience like of working on ‘The Rapist’ with Aparna Sen?
It was just so fulfilling. I guess that’s the best adjective to describe it. Just pure, no calculations and all heart; uncorrupted, challenging, demanding… very fulfilling.
Do you prefer playing the hero or anti-hero?
Whichever is the better written part, is what I would go for. To play either dimensions, negative or positive, can only be achieved with good writing.
What have been your highlight roles recently, and among those coming up?
I loved playing the lawyer in ‘Nailpolish’, Rudraveer in ‘Dhaakad’ and Om in ‘London Files’. Now, I am really looking forward to JSK in which I play a CBI (police) officer. It is directed by Honey Trehan and is based on true story.
How is your debut in South Indian cinema coming along?
I have been filming for it. Krish is a great guy and a very good director. I was petrified about the language, but I think it’s coming along well.
They are very meticulous and spend a lot of time on the script. Mr Pawan Kalyan is very sharp and has a wonderful understanding about characterisation. It’s a big budget film and a period drama.
I think with any film, language should never be a barrier. If the film is engaging and entertaining, it finds its audience everywhere.
Movies shouldn’t have boundaries or differentiation, especially the ones made in one’s own country. I am so glad that finally those barriers have been broken.
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Any plans of going behind the camera too any time soon?
I keep toying with the idea and then shy away. Hopefully I will one day. I know I will make a good film.